Educated people should not stereotype others

So now we’re unsure as to whether or not P-Square will actually be allowed into the country or not due to the fear of Ebola. I don’t think that Windhoek Lager will spend all that money on advertising and coverage if the artist’s visas were not already sorted. So what does this say about us?Yes, Ebola got to Nigeria. A few people died, Almighty rest their souls. The situation was contained, Amen to that. So whats the big deal. OK, maybe I am ‘catching feelings’ or getting too emotional here but this is my country. I have a right to defend it, even if you think its valid or not.However, I am not here to rant on and on about Ebola and what not. I want to give my views on stereotypes, especially the negative ones.This term is defined by the www.urbandictionary.com as, “A stereotype is used to categorize a group of people. People don’t understand that type of person, so they put them into classifications, thinking that everyone who is like that; needs to be like that, or anyone who acts like their classifications is one.”I say its judging people before you meet them, because Hitler was cruel, we think all Germans are cruel, blondes are not so bright and Africans all have lions in their backyards. Personally I don’t mind that because a pet lion wouldn’t be so bad (except when they try to eat you, but oh well).

This concept is so profound that even the most educated people can be flawed by it, which says so much about their education.How do we achieve the true benefits of globalisation if we still have this type of mindset towards other people. Everyone is different, give them a chance. Just because a person is from somewhere doesn’t mean they also do the bad things those people do, so many times people have said to me “are you a fraudster?/don’t scam me/ are you into witchcraft/ don’t steal my money” all because I am Nigerian.I do not really care because I know myself, but as for the one who made such a statement, well there is hope for you.As the quote by Carson Kressley says, “People are much deeper than stereotypes. That’s the first place our minds go. Then you get to know them and you hear their stories, and you say, I’d have never guessed.” Stereotypes have a way of making us build walls against other people in life and I find this absolutely unnecessary. There is so much one can learn from the differences we have compared to people from other places. Life has a way of forcing us into situations that one is not always going to be comfortable with but important nonetheless, I believe it is not about where you are but what you are learning in the process. Stereotyping is also a form of discrimination and must be handled seriously, especially at this stage of globalization that we are. If you are someone who has all these stereotypes in your mind and guard off against so much of the world, you are missing out a lot. Honestly I feel that if one is truly educated then stereotyping should not exist but we are human and prone to flaws (inevitably). Nonetheless I don’t see the point of your education if you are going to stereotype against people, directed at those who do this to the extreme. If you feel attacked by this, then yes, obviously I am talking to you.